U7.20 Part-time study

People who are not considered to be full-time students (see U6.1.1) may apply for a visitor visa with a variation of conditions to allow study on a part-time basis.

U7.20.1 Programmes of study lasting up to 9 months

1. People outside New Zealand may apply for and be granted a variation of conditions to allow study on a part-time basis for a maximum of 9 months from the date of their arrival in New Zealand, provided that they are enrolled in a part-time programme of study certified as one that complies with foreign student requirements (see U3.1) and lasts no more than 9 months, and comply with visitor requirements (see V2.1).
2. People already in New Zealand may apply for and be granted a visitor visa with a variation of conditions to allow study on a part-time basis for the balance of their stay up to a maximum of 9 months from the date of their arrival.
3. If study is the main reason for the applicant being in New Zealand, immigration officers must decline any application to undertake part-time programmes of study lasting longer than 9 months, unless the officers are satisfied that:
   1. the application has special merit that warrants the application being approved, and
   2. the applicant will comply with the conditions of their visa.
4. Immigration officers must be satisfied that applicants who wish to undertake part-time programmes of study lasting up to 9 months after their date of arrival:
   1. are enrolled in and have paid the fees for such a programme of study; and
   2. are able to satisfy the standard visitor requirements (see V2.1).

U7.20.5 Students completing their programme of study

1. Despite U7.20 above and U6.1.1, a person who is:
   1. in their final semester of a programme of study in New Zealand, that is of at least 2 academic years’ duration; or
   2. in their final semester of a programme of study in New Zealand, culminating in a New Zealand qualification at level four or higher on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework

   may be considered to be a full-time student and may be granted a student visa for the remaining duration of their programme of study if they can meet student requirements (see U3.1).

2. To be eligible for a student visa under these instructions, applicants must not previously have been granted a visa under these instructions.

Effective 09/10/2023